Compression Packing Cubes
The single cheapest upgrade to how much fits in a carry-on.
- Real volume savings
- Keeps clean and worn separated
- Compression adds weight risk on budget airlines
Price varies
View on Amazon
Maldives · South Asia
Maldives
Resort islands or local islands — two completely different trips at completely different prices.
- Best time
- November–April
- Suggested length
- 5–8 days
- Mid-range / day
- $350
Overview
The Maldives splits into private resort islands and inhabited local islands. Guesthouses on local islands make the country far more affordable than its reputation suggests.
Why visit
- World-class diving and snorkelling
- Genuine disconnection
- Guesthouse option for lower budgets
Best time to visit
November–April
- Nov
- Dec
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
Average budget
- Budget
- $90/ day
- Mid-range
- $350/ day
- Luxury
- $1,200/ day
How many days
Plan for 5–8 days. Fewer days works if you stay in one region.
Top places
- Malé atoll
- Fastest transfers and the widest resort range.
- Maafushi
- Best-known local island for guesthouse stays.
- Baa atoll
- UNESCO biosphere; manta season June–November.
Things to do
- Snorkel with mantas
- Seasonal and atoll-dependent.
- Sandbank trips
- Half-day boat excursions from most islands.
Where to stay
- Resort island
- All-inclusive, private, seaplane or speedboat transfer.
- Local island guesthouse
- A fraction of the cost, local rules apply on beaches.
Food
- Mas huni and tuna curries
- Local island guesthouses serve Maldivian home cooking.
Transportation
- Speedboat and seaplane transfers
- Public ferries between local islands are slow but cheap
Travel requirements
- Free visa on arrival for most nationalities
- Confirmed accommodation required
Entry rules change. Always confirm with the official embassy or consulate before booking.
Travel gear
Compact Travel Camera
Pocketable body with a fast lens for low-light city evenings.
- Pocketable
- Good low-light performance
- Fixed lens
Price varies
View on AmazonCable & Document Organiser
One pouch for cables, adapters, passport copies and spare cards.
- Stops cable chaos
- Fits in a personal item
- Easy to overfill
Price varies
View on AmazonSome links on PROGRAM.TRAVEL are affiliate links. If you book or buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This never changes what we recommend. Read our full disclosure.